Met Live in HD

The Metropolitan Opera offers a rare opportunity to witness Berlioz's vast epic "Les Troyens," last performed at the Met in 2003.

Deborah Voigt, Susan Graham, Brian Hymel and Dwayne Croft lead the cast, portraying characters from the Trojan War. Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi marshals the large-scale musical forces.

The Sunrise Theater in downtown Southern Pines will air the live production in high definition at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5.

The run time of the five-act opera is five hours, 15 minutes.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling the Sunrise Office at (910) 692-8501 or ordered online at www.sunrisetheater.org. Tickets are also sold at the box office before each show.

The Sunrise Theater is a nonprofit theater located at 250 NW Broad Street in Southern Pines.

SHIIP Counseling

Beginning Monday, Jan. 7, SHIIP (Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program) counseling will be held on the first Monday afternoon of each month and every Wednesday afternoon by appointment only.

SHIIP counsels Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and long-term care insurance.

"Our counselors offer free and unbiased information regarding Medicare health care products," says a spokesman. "We also help people recognize and prevent Medicare billing errors and possible fraud and abuse through our NC SMP Program."

Since the program's creation in 1986, SHIIP has become a role model for other states and has received two national awards for "innovative" and "exemplary" service.

Call (910) 215-0900 for an appointment.

Given Gathering

On Thursday, Jan. 10, at 3:30 p.m. at the Given Memorial Library, Audrey Moriarty will talk about library facts and figures, ideas for celebrating the library's 50th anniversary, and expectations for the future.

An open forum, with a question-and-answer period, follows.

This event is free and open to the public.

Fiscal Resolutions

The start of a new year brings financial decisions to the forefront.

Financial adviser Brianna Dillon, of Raymond James and Associates, will lead a six-week interactive course, at the Senior Enrichment Center on Tuesdays, from Jan. 8 through Feb. 19 (no class Jan. 15), from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Topics will include: "Getting your Balance Sheet in Order"; "Budget and Spending Habits Analysis"; "Reviewing the Titling of your Accounts"; "Designating and Updating Beneficiaries"; "Evaluating your Cash Holdings"; "Revisiting Portfolio Asset Allocations"; "Evaluating Sources of Retirement Income"; "Reviewing your Social Security Statement"; "Reviewing Tax Efficiency"; and "Determining Whether your Retirement Plan is on Track."

To reserve a spot for this complimentary course, contact the Senior Enrichment Center at (910) 215-0900 no later than Jan. 5.

"Signing up does not commit you to every session," says a spokesman.

SunFlix

The Sunrise Theater begins the new year with "Skyfall," the 23rd installment in the James Bond series of films that dates back to the 1960s.

The film stars Daniel Craig as the famous British secret agent, along with a supporting cast that includes Oscar-winner Javier Bardem, Ben Whishaw, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Naomie Harris. The film is directed by Sam Mendes.

This action adventure film is rated PG-13 and will be shown from through Monday, Jan. 7, with shows weekdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 and 7:30.

In "Skyfall," Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. Agent 007 (Daniel Craig) becomes M's (Judi Dench) only ally as MI6 comes under attack, and a mysterious new villain emerges with a diabolical plan.

Operating in the dark with only field agent Eve (Naomie Harris) to guide him, the world's top secret agent works to root out an enigmatic criminal mastermind named Silva (Javier Bardem) as a major storm brews on the horizon.

The historic Sunrise Theater, located at 250 NW Broad St. in Southern Pines, is nonprofit.

Ticket prices are $7, with a $1 suggested donation toward the new projection system. Tickets are only available at the box office prior to shows. Refreshments, including popcorn, beer and wine, are available.

For information about this film or other cultural events at the Sunrise, call (910) 692-8508 or visit www.sunrisetheater.com.

S.P. Civic Club

The Southern Pines Civic Club will hold its monthly meeting at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at the clubhouse on 105 S. Ashe Street. The board will meet at 11 a.m.

Hospitality hostesses will be Linda Gibbs and Grace Snelgrove.

Denise Williams, owner of Blackrock Winery in Carthage, will present the -program, which will include a wine-tasting. Wine will be available for purchase.

The "show-off table" will be presented by Jeanne Crowell on "Quilting Today."

For additional information, call Blanche Woodruff at (910) 695-1023 or Betty Hamblin at (910) 246-0769.

Gospel Performer

Faith Baptist Church, located at 2180 Carthage Road, West End, will host gospel singer Rick Strickland at the 11 a.m. -worship service Sunday, Jan. 6.